1 — New York Tenderberry by Laura Nyro. In so much as one can consider a record essential so I consider this to be. I have never been without it wherever I have lived and I have bought copies for many of my most loved people. For me it is indispensable – It made me fall in love with the idea of New York as a passionate English schoolboy. This is the first copy I owned so excuse it’s tattiness.2 — A key ring with my childhood address etched into a steel disc by my father. My Dad loved making things and had a very utilitarian aesthetic. I carry it with me always.3 — A St Christopher that was given to me by my Grandmother on the day I was born. Nan had 30 grandchildren and for some reason I was the favoured one. It is always on my person.4 —The Green Book – When I have a song 90% written it goes into this green wallet. It’s from the 1930’s and was a bookmakers racetrack diary/ note-book. I found it in a barn years ago.5 — A 1963 Guild Parlour acoustic guitar. Bought in Santa Rosa a few years ago from a man who’d owned it from new. Sometime in 1967 he changed the headstock logo to a carved rose. As I walked away from his house with it I turned around and saw he was crying. It was precious to him and it is precious to me.6 —The Unfortunates by BS Johnson. It gave me the name of my group. I love Johnson although this is not my favourite of his. That would be ‘Trawl’.7 — A Season Ticket to watch Birmingham City FC. I am a Birmingham City supporter from birth. All my family are from within half a mile from the ground in Small Heath and we all supported the Blues. Being a Bluenose is an awful curse – we snatch defeat from the jaws of victory over and over again. BCFC are my only religious affiliation.

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A wonderfully skilled, well travelled gent and one of the most professional musicians I have worked with up to this point. Tis an honour to work with Matthew and hear him regale myself & friends with stories of his fascinating life in L.A and further afield. He inspires and encourages in equal measure and there can be no higher praise than that